CLUTE – The Center for the Arts and Sciences is pleased to announce that the 2016Texas Gulf Coast Arts Festivalwill take place Friday, May 13 thru Sunday, May 15. After a successful launch last spring, the festival will return featuring many professional artists from near and far. Kids’ hands on art activities, live music, and great food will be available to people of all ages to enjoy.

Something new for 2016 will be a Friday Night Art Stroll from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. This added festival event will feature an early preview of the art and an opportunity to visit with artists under the stars. Live music, drinks, and specialty food stations will enhance the “date night” atmosphere. Tickets for the Art Stroll will be $25. Food and drinks will be available.

ATTENTION ARTISTS: Applications for jury review are now open on Zapplication.org. Booths space will be available inside and outside. All outside booths will be covered with a pitch-top canopy covering both artist booths and shopping walkways. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2016. Artist amenities and services were rated “Awesome” by the 2015 Artists. Free parking, refreshments, booth sitter for short breaks, plus fast response to any concern or request.

“This is going to be a festival of the arts that everyone can enjoy,” said The Center’s Executive Director, Wesley Copeland. “Families, young professionals, college students, Baby Boomers…everyone is welcome and will find interesting things to do. What better reason to get outside and have a great time?”

Development and Marketing Director, Patty Swords stated, “Our goal is to provide the community and visiting tourists with a fun arts and cultural event. We are committed to establishing something special, which will become a celebrated annual event. Sponsors will have an opportunity to support The Center and the community while getting their name in front of thousands of people.”

The festival will feature high quality art in a variety of mediums. Paintings, drawings, woodworking, sculpture, glass, photography, jewelry, and more will be available for purchase in a range of prices. Artists must submit an application and digital photos by January 15, 2016 through zapplication.org for jury review.

Along with a wide range of music, the festival will offer a variety of options for food and beverages. Festival hours are: Friday Night Art Stroll, 5pm – 10pm; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Proceeds from the Texas Gulf Coast Arts Festival will benefit The Center, a 501(C) 3 nonprofit organization. Admission Saturday and Sunday is $5 for adults and kids twelve and under will get in free.Sponsorships are now available.

For more information about the Texas Gulf Coast Arts Festival, contact Patty Swords, 979-265-7661 or pattys@bcfas.org.

Owned and operated by the Brazosport Fine Arts Council, The Center for the Arts & Sciences is a 45,000 square foot cultural and educational complex. As the administrative umbrella, the organization has the responsibility of providing performance and exhibit space, as well as marketing and ticket sales, for its permanent residents and partner groups. The Center is considered a prime destination for tourists from around the U.S. and abroad.